I don’t even know where to start today! I hope I remember everything I wanted to write.

We started with breakfast as usual, but we had a doctor’s appointment today so we had to figure out the day.

We were getting everything packed and Brendan was just showing off what he can do. He got up like that all by himself.

We had an 11am appointment with pulmonology at the hospital clinic. Brendan got all dressed up and even put on shoes! He couldn’t help but wave them around and also try to bite them.

The appointment was awesome! She was really impressed with Brendan and he has some big changes ahead. First, tonight is going to be the first night in just over a year that Brendan will NOT be on a ventilator!! A year ago on the 25th, Brendan got intubated after he failed to breathe on his own after his open heart surgery. A year ago on the 27th, he got his trach so that he could be safely on the ventilator. Over the course of this whole year, he has grown so well and worked so hard to sprint from the vent. He might be ready to leave it behind for good!
He is going from using it only at night for 6-8 hrs to completely off starting tonight. I can’t believe this day is here!

Even better news, without the ventilator, there is no need for Brendan to have a trach. His doctor wants to push aggressively to get the trach out. He now has a six month plan (or less) toward permanent decannulation. It is a steep mountain to climb for him, it will be tough and there are lots of processes along the way. It is all up to Brendan, but we could celebrate his 2nd birthday without a trach!

It is all moving toward the wireless model of Brendan, which is good because we keep running in to trouble with his new mobility!

Trevor and Daddy had to drive me and Brendan to the appointment. Because of the timing of everything, Trevor had to have a picnic lunch in the car. He had a good time, he likes climbing all over the car. When we got home, Trevor took a nice nap and Brendan did not!
Then it was outside to play. Trevor loves to throw balls now, especially over the wall.

He entertains Brendan with antics while Brendan wears the speaking valve. He wore it for a total of two hours today including one stretch of an hour and 15 minutes non stop!

Brendan finally figured out he can crawl down the step to get outside. He keeps getting stronger!

I thought I had taken the most adorable video ever of Trevor running around and squealing at the dogs and Brendan squealing at Trevor squealing. We were laughing so hard, it was so cute! But when I went to download everything, it doesn’t exist on the camera. I must not have been recording after all.
This video is also adorable and has lots of cute Brendan making sounds. He is so funny, he just cracks me up.

We can’t wait to see how Brendan does tonight. I am just in disbelief that all of the medical equipment is slowly heading out the door. There is a glimmer at the end of the tunnel!